Trial set for former Pierce town board member accused of biker gang killing

A former Pierce town board member accused of killing a woman with the help of a local biker gang pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder Thursday.

Daniel Meyer, 34, is accused of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. The charges come with a crime of violence sentence enhancement, meaning Meyer's sentence may be longer if he is found guilty at trial.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Weld County Sheriff's office into the September 2015 death of Tera Lewandowksi, 34, of Pierce. Six other people, many of them members of an improvised motorcycle gang, were arrested as a result of the investigation, including Thomas Vassil, 54, his son Michael Vassil, 24, Crystal Griffin, 37, Chad Iler, 19, Scott Hanchett, 21, and his sister Karly Hanchett, 19.

Affidavits say the murder had its origins in a fight between Lewandowski and Karly Hanchett. Thomas Vassil, as the leader of the gang, allowed Hanchett and Meyer to murder her, according to the reports. Police believe Karly hit Lewandowski over the head with a pipe while Meyer stabbed her in the chest with a hunting knife.

Earlier this summer, Iler and Griffin pleaded guilty and agreed to help prosecutors in the case. Scott Hanchett accepted a plea bargain Tuesday and pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. He faces 45-55 years in prison.